And 'They' say "You spoil the environment"

This is a common statement that is hurled towards outsiders working in Bangalore. Lets divide the people into two clans and dig into it deeper – ‘Us’ and ‘Them’. ‘Us’ being the people from outside Bangalore/Karnataka and ‘Them’ being localities. Why are such things being said?

1) Booze
Them - You guys drink and create scenes.

Us - Ever be to a frigging wine shop? 90% of the people there are people in lungis, drinking desi, right there; in the shop.

I wonder if these shops even have the license to serve alcohol in the first place or they serve a drink or two to the cops have get away with it.

‘We’, do drink, but either at Pubs or in the privacy of our homes. If at pubs, we do not loiter on the streets because the cops sniff our asses like dogs to find out if we are drunk and extort money. If at home, we do not want to disturb the other people living in the vicinity. Booze culture has been prevalent in Bangalore since 1970's. I believe that was the time IT meant Income Tax and nothing else. ‘We’ have not aggravated the problem. If you do not believe me, just keep an eye on the sidewalks after 9:30 and see for yourself whom you find lying in the gutters - IT professionals or someone else?

Us - Yes, we do drink but ‘We’ do not spoil the environment after drinking. If ‘We’ did create a scene, you would make it impossible for ‘Us’ to live.

2) Crime rate
Them - Crime rate has gone up because of ‘You’.

Us - This is a joke, right?

We are at the receiving end of the crimes. And who are the people who commit them? No the outsiders, but the localities. Yes siree. We are the ones who are looted every night while traveling or beaten up for reasons known only to the mentally demented. Girls are harassed not by ‘Us’, but by those who are not outsiders. ‘We’ as not A-holes to come to a foreign land and do immoral activities. ‘We’ are the ones who are being harassed physically, mentally and financially (I'll come to that soon)

3) Climate
Them - The climate has become hot since this IT thing started. It’s not the same.

Us - Its happening all over the world. You are not exceptional. Welcome to the club. Some call it Global Warming. I'd just call it a natural change in climate.

4) Traffic & Pollution
Them - The traffic and pollution have increased. Lots of traffic jams. So much pollution.

Us - I agree the traffic problem has increased. But that’s the state of all growing cities. The government is earning a fortune as taxes because of IT and the least they can do is build a few flyovers to solve the problem of traffic jams at peak hours. I can't help it if the politicians are corrupt. They are one of 'You'. Another observation I've made is that the traffic jams are mostly created due to heavy motor vehicles (Buses, Trucks, and Tractors) which move slowly and do not allow other traffic to move forward. This city needs wider roads. Even 'We' hate these jams. 'We' are not entertained by them and just want to do our jobs and go home.

As for pollution, 'We' are pressed into riding Non-Polluting Vehicles, which we do. Check the pollution levels of Auto-Rickshaws, Buses, and Trucks. You'll find the culprits. Don't blame us.

5) Auto Rickshaws
Us - The auto rickshaws suck the last drop of blood from out veins. The pain that we go through while squabbling with them is equivalent to getting kicked in the nuts. Being charged 1.5 times fare at every possible opportunity just because ‘We’ are not from here is just done. Reasons cited – “I have to take a U-turn 1 kms away” (Wait for 5 minutes, you’ll get a passenger, that way you will not have to take a U-turn) “1.5 time because it’s a Sunday” (WTF??? Dude, didn’t you make enough money when you mugged that poor soul last night on Outer Ring Road??)

Them – ‘You’ earn so much, what do you care?

Us – Its hard earned money. You would know if you went out and worked rather than just live off the rent that you get by letting out your ancestors house.

6) Corruption
Them – Corruption has increased since ‘You’ guys have come.

Us – Lets just not get there. I don’t want to open a can-of-whoop-ass and expose what all goes on and why is there corruption. (Ever wondered why ITPL and Electronic City are in one end of the city and the new Airport on totally another end of the city?)

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Disclaimer: I do not have a personal grudge against 'Them' This post is just a funny thought that crossed my deranged neuro system. While some of the things said above are true, others are just to piss 'Them' off. Please do not flood me with 'I hate you - go hang yourself' comments.